ELC earns split at Humboldt

June 3, 2013

HUMBOLDT - Estherville Lincoln Central split its two games at the Humboldt Tournament, winning 10-4 over Central Springs in the first round and falling to the host Wildcats 15-2 in the championship game.

"Defensively we played better this weekend," said ELC coach Lee Evans. "Humboldt is just a salty team."

ELC jumped out to a 4-0 lead against Central Springs, but the Panthers rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the second.

ELC's Matt Burrell relieved starter Tucker Milburn in the third inning though at Central Springs didn't score again while ELC scored in four of the last five innings.

In two innings, Milburn gave up four earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts and four walks. Burrell struck out 10 in five innings to get the win. He gave up no hits or walks.

Meanwhile ELC pounded out 12 hits. Burrell was 3-4 with a double and two RBIs while Milburn was 3-3 with a double and two RBIs. Also Tyler Swanson was 1-1 with two RBIS and Bryce Hansen was 1-2 with an RBI. Also Adam Reiter and Evan Hansen each went 1-3 and Billy Snyder and Corey Reeves each went 1-4.

Reiter started is first game of the season against Humboldt. The Midgets had started with a 2-0 lead after two runs in the top of the first, but Reiter and the ELC defense struggled in the bottom of the inning.

Reiter gave up seven runs (four earned) on four hits with one strikeout and three walks.

Tim Greving entered in relief and pitched 2 1/3 innings. He gave up two earned runs on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

Austin Egeland pitched the fourth as Humboldt scored six earned runs on four hits with Egeland strikeout out one batter and walking one.

ELC had just four hits in the game. Milburn was 2-3 while Swanson was 1-2 with an RBI. Also Reeves was 1-1.